Please Make Note: Important Information Inside Every TLC Foot Splint Package

Toe Strap Note to aid in proper foot splint application

The Toe Strap Note illustrates how to properly secure the TLC Foot Splint at the toe and leg to increase patient safety.

Nov. 1, 2019

Non-ambulatory infants tend to move and kick their legs around and that can spell trouble if the foot or ankle is used as an IV insertion site. Nurses told us they wanted to be sure they were applying the TLC Foot Splint securely, so we created a Toe Strap Note which outlines proper application of the device.

The insert clearly shows that the key to a secure fit is making sure the strap at the toes is threaded through the opening to anchor the footboard to the patient’s limb. The upper strap wraps all the way around the patient’s leg and the outer edges of the splint to further stabilize the board.

TLC Foot Splint showing toes strap passes through opening near toes, leg straps wraps around outer edges of splint — 1. The toe strap passes through the opening in board near the infant's toes.
2. The upper strap wraps around the leg and both outer edges of the board to secure the splint in place.

When the TLC Foot Splint is secured properly, the see-through opening at the ankle allows nurses to Touch, Look, and Compare the extremity with the IV catheter to the opposite extremity to help spot early warning signs of complications such as changes in color, temperature, or size.

Foot splint without dome — A properly applied toe strap secures the splint as the infant flexes her ankle and curls her toes.

TLC Foot splint with UltraDome — Add an I.V. House UltraDressing or I.V. House UltraDome to protect from bumps and snags.

Pair the TLC Foot Splint with an I.V. House UltraDome® or I.V. House UltraDressing® to help further secure the IV insertion site and add extra protection from the bumps and snags that can lead to dislodgment.